This is a piece that was a long time in the making really. When I saw the photos I had taken it reminded me of the hopelessness people can feel. Specifically, this is one of my daughters and it brought back memories of her life. And while painting it I had lots of time to reflect on our relationship and her life.

She was born with a congenital anomaly that required surgeries and left her with some difficulties. They were the hardest to deal with during her childhood. And her care required physical pain. At one point, the strain became too much for her little 7 year old soul and she cried, "I wish I could die!" At that moment, I would have given anything to take her pain away. I yearned to do something. But couldn't. It was impossible.

Searching for something, past her pain and mine, the thing that came to me was comfort and hope. I could give her the power of hope. A perspective past that moment. A view of the source from which strength comes. A balm for her wounded heart.

I've thought of my own times of hopelessness and what it has been that has given me comfort and hope. Time and again, my greatest help and hope has come from the powers of heaven. This painting is about those critical junctures of life where we choose - hope or hopelessness.

My daughter isn't 7 anymore. But, whether 7, 17, or 70, at those defining periods, I hope she will look to the windows of heavens, reach out to what is being offered, and have faith in the healing power of hope.

Hope Series - Allegory of Healing • 46' x 30' • oil on board

SymbolismSome of the symbolism I see - • When hopeless the foundation beneath you can feel as though it's deteriorating. Crumbling or melting away • We all have vessels that need to be filled • Personal revelation flows from heaven to us but we have to be willing and ready to receive it • There is no certain time frame to healing and hope will be need time and again • There is a healing balm within our reach

At the center of the painting, where your daughter is placed, I see a 'womb'. It is the night of a soul; the birth of something. Could it be that in such a phase of life we are taken care of, and we transcend our life? The 'womb' metaphor is a very spiritual literal and allegorical agent for me

Christopher,
Thanks for your sharing your observation. I agree with the womb idea as well. I've recently mentioned this on the store page for this painting but didn't list it here. I like to see if others see things that I put in. Thanks for exploring.